How to prepare for and survive a disaster

MoneyMax.ph

(Editor's note: This article was written by MoneyMax, the Philippines’ foremost online platform for comparing financial and telecom products and services, for ABS-CBNnews.com. Find out more at MoneyMax.ph.)

MANILA, Philippines - While we enjoy the perks of being in an archipelago with all the stunning beaches known worldwide, the make and location of the Philippines put together a hazard-prone area.

According to World Bank, “the country is identified as a natural disaster hot spot with approximately 50.3 percent of its total area and 81.3 percent of its population vulnerable to natural disasters.”

Geographically, the Philippines is located in the so-called ‘Ring of Fire’, or typhoon belt – a large Pacific Ocean region where many of the earth’s volcanic eruptions and earthquakes occur. Annually, approximately 80 typhoons develop above tropical waters and 19 of which enter the Philippine area of responsibility – about six to nine make landfall.

Here are some tips to remind all of us what to do when disaster strikes:

Be alert.

Equip yourself with necessary information – always be in the loop especially when you know a disaster could strike any time. Make sure you keep yourself informed to avoid panic.

Prepare.

If you know you’re in a disaster-prone area, it pays to be really prepared. All household should have a box where supplies good for several days are stored – water, food, medicine, personal hygiene items, flash light, extra clothes and documents. Anything you’re going to need for a few days.

Save power.

Most probably, power will be out - save batteries, especially those used for communication like your mobile phone and radio.

Secure your home.

Check your house and fix cracks as early as possible to avoid anything unfortunate to happen before an earthquake or a massive typhoon. Make sure that your things are always in their places to avoid confusion during demanding times of disaster.

Talk about family emergency plan.

Talk to your folks about an emergency route and if possible, conduct a drill. This could help you to be emotionally prepared.

Secure an emergency fund.

Start saving, as soon as you can, for funds that you can use only for emergency. You don’t want to wait until a disaster for you to keep up with your emergency savings.